The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4 S, produced between 1990 and 1993, represents a significant iteration of the Nova, a supermini that played a crucial role in the British automotive landscape. While the Vauxhall brand is largely unknown in the United States, it was a mainstay in the UK and Europe, offering affordable and practical transportation. The Nova, and specifically the CC (Climate Control) variant, aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped package for the budget-conscious buyer. This model competed with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Austin Metro, offering a blend of economy, practicality, and a touch of style. The 1.4 S trim level signified a slightly sportier offering within the Nova range, boasting a modestly increased power output and some aesthetic enhancements.
Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4 S: A British Supermini
The Nova CC 1.4 S was designed to appeal to a broad audience, particularly young drivers and families seeking an economical and reliable vehicle. The “CC” designation indicated the inclusion of air conditioning, a relatively uncommon feature in this class of vehicle at the time, adding to its appeal. The Nova, as a whole, was a product of General Motors (GM), benefiting from the company’s engineering expertise and global reach. It was a rebadged version of the Opel Corsa, sold under different names across Europe. The Nova’s success stemmed from its affordability, ease of maintenance, and relatively spacious interior for its size. The 1.4 S model, with its 72 horsepower engine, offered a reasonable balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for both city driving and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4 S lies a 1.4-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, designated the 14NV. This engine produced 72 horsepower, providing adequate power for its intended purpose. While not a performance car by any means, the Nova 1.4 S offered sufficient acceleration for everyday driving. The engine’s power output translated to approximately 51.8 horsepower per liter, a respectable figure for the early 1990s. The engine featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain, a common configuration for engines of this era. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to optimize fuel efficiency and performance. The engine required 3 liters (3.17 US quarts, 2.64 UK quarts) of engine oil, adhering to specific manufacturer specifications for optimal lubrication and longevity. The front-engine, transverse layout was typical for front-wheel-drive vehicles of this period, contributing to efficient packaging and handling.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4 S was a three or five-door hatchback, offering versatility and practicality. The hatchback body style provided easy access to the cargo area, making it convenient for carrying groceries, luggage, or other items. The Nova’s design was relatively conservative, reflecting the styling trends of the early 1990s. It featured a boxy silhouette, typical of superminis, with a focus on maximizing interior space. The CC variant included air conditioning as standard, a significant selling point. Interior features were basic but functional, with cloth upholstery and a simple dashboard layout. Safety features were limited by the standards of today, but included seatbelts and a basic chassis structure. The Nova’s relatively small size and light weight contributed to its nimble handling and ease of parking. Trunk space varied depending on the rear seats being up or folded down, offering a minimum of 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet) and a maximum of 1150 liters (40.61 cubic feet) with the seats folded. The fuel tank capacity was 42 liters (11.1 US gallons, 9.24 UK gallons), providing a reasonable driving range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova |
| Generation | Nova CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 S (72 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 72 Hp |
| Power per litre | 51.8 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 14NV |
| Engine displacement | 1389 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 84.76 cu. in. |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 3.17 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 2.64 UK qt |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 9.18 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1150 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 40.61 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 11.1 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 9.24 UK gal |
| Length | 3622 mm |
| Length (in.) | 142.6 in. |
| Width | 1535 mm |
| Width (in.) | 60.43 in. |
| Height | 1364 mm |
| Height (in.) | 53.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2343 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 92.24 in. |
| Front track | 1320 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 51.97 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1300 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 51.18 in. |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) (ft) | 30.84 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
The Vauxhall Nova CC 1.4 S, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represents a significant chapter in British automotive history. It provided affordable, reliable, and practical transportation for a generation of drivers, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its well-rounded design and engineering. Though largely absent from the US market, the Nova’s legacy continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors in Europe.
